Newly Diagnosed - Scared to Death

[Tallblonde]

I hope someone here can calm the terror in my heart.  I'm a 44 year old professional woman.  I learned on Monday that I've tested posted for the Hepatitis C virus though the results of a routine blood test (required by an insurance company in order to increase my coverage).  At first I assumed it was a mistake, because I knew I that my fertility clinic had done the same test back in March and it was negative.  I immediately called the fertility clinic to re-confirm this.  They assured me that I had taken the test and it was negative.  Whew!

My world changed forever the following day when the fertility clinic called back and said "Upon closer inspection of your lab results, we've come to realize that we somehow missed the fact that you did indeed test positive for HCV."  SIX MONTHS AGO!!!

My liver enzymes are slightly elevated: AST-77; ALT-87 and GGT-49.  I'm waiting for the results of the blood test I had on Friday that will tell me my viral load.  I'm also waiting until October 21 for my first appointment with a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. I have had a number of symptoms which until this week, I didn't realize were associated with Hep C.  I've had tingling and numbness in my extremties for nearly three years; I've had joint and muscle pain for at least a year; and I've had this persistent itching for about three months.

Not that it matters at this point, but I have NO idea how I've contracted this.  No drug use, no piercings/tattos, no transfusions, no promiscuity, etc.  Can anyone give me ANY hope for my future?  Do I even have a future?

[saving68]

I think i became positive when i was 16 to now i am 43 i failed the interferon treatment about 8 years ago any way i also have HIV im starting to get very sick scheduleing now for my 2nd biobsy the first one they said stage one scaring that was about 10 years ago the worst i geuss starting to get very sick insomnia the worst for more than 10 years very severe it ***** im hopeing for 2nd chance 5 years would feel good to me right now.

[angelle272]

I'm new to this site. i've been on treatment for 4 1/2 months and still work full time. i feel that i've reached the end of my rope. can i get fired if i ask for a leave of absence?

[viman]

I'm so sorry about the news, but as expressed by many people here, you have found the best support website.  You will learn so much by reading the comments and feel so much confident regarding your future decisions. I was in shock for a while when I first found out. I don't know where I got the virus from as well, but you will learn not to dwell on that issue.  Surround yourself by the people who love you and make you smile.  You will get through this and try to keep the positive energy going. We will be here for you.
all the best!!!

[OkieJim]

Welcome,
I'm on Shot #3 Pegasys/Copegus. The wait was worse than the actual TX, SO FAR HAHAHA.  This is a great group of people and they have been where we are going. Feel relieved you found this place and keep in touch.

[Revenire]

Hi there!

My first shot was the worst. Now they are just "the shot" and I don't feel as run-over, just lousy. :-)

You hang in there, you WILL beat this.

Scott

[Tallblonde]

To all my new friends here...

Thank you SO much for taking the time to write to me.  Your comments, suggestions and recommendations are very helpful as I embark on this new journey.  

It's only been a week since this horrible bombshell was dropped on my me.  My husband and I are still trying to cope with accepting this new, scary reality.  We've been so focused on trying to have a baby (I've had five miscarriages during the past two years), and it's hard to put that dream aside to begin carrying this cross. We've never cried so much as we have during the past few days.

But it is reassuring to know that there are others facing this same challenge. I wish I had the time today to respond to each of you who wrote to me.  But I'm sure I'll have time to get to know everyone better during the coming months.  Again, my sincere thanks to all of you for your kindness and compassion.